NEW YORK — An unexpected flash of skin under a sheer fabric can be sexy and sophisticated on a date, at a party, even in the office.
But with anything much more than a sliver, it's easy to cross the too-much-of-a-good-thing line. And there's no taking it back.
Just ask Tom Mora, women's design director at J. Crew, who's created sheer beach cover-ups stylish and elegant enough to be worn as tops and dresses. But, he says, wearer beware: "You should wear a slip, or a cami and brief. They are great pieces but their real intent is for a swimsuit to be underneath."
He adds, "I don't want to go into a restaurant and see someone in a completely sheer top."
At least there, you can look down at your plate. What about the office when sheer fabrics do what they are supposed to do and draw the eye to a particular place?
Remember what your mom said: "Eye contact," advises Audrey Slater, fashion director at Redbook magazine.
"This trend is definitely peaking this year, she says, "but it's not a trend for everyone, anytime and everywhere."
For the past few seasons, designers have been crafting strategic sheer panels into their collections, with Vera Wang carving out bodices and Marchesa putting sheer blouses under corsets. J. Crew has made regular offerings of chiffon and cotton voile, and Ann Taylor reinterprets the menswear-inspired button-shirt using lace and georgette.